Biden-Harris Administration Announces Major Deal with Wolfspeed to Boost U.S. Silicon Carbide Manufacturing

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a preliminary agreement with Wolfspeed, Inc. to provide up to $750 million in funding through the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment will support the construction of a new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina. The facility will be the world’s largest for 200mm silicon carbide wafers and is expected to create over 5,000 jobs in North Carolina and New York.

The funding aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and ensure a reliable domestic supply of chips used in technologies like electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. The project is part of Wolfspeed's $6 billion expansion plan, which also includes expanding its device manufacturing facility in Marcy, New York.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that the CHIPS Act is helping the U.S. build its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, boosting economic growth and national security.

Founded in North Carolina in 1987, Wolfspeed is a global leader in silicon carbide wafer production. Its semiconductors are used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and military applications. The proposed investment will support Wolfspeed's expansion and help meet growing demand for silicon carbide devices.

In addition to job creation, Wolfspeed is partnering with local universities and organizations to train workers, increase diversity in the semiconductor workforce, and address child care challenges in the areas where it operates.

Wolfspeed is also committed to reducing its environmental impact by pursuing energy and water conservation goals and plans to cut operational emissions by 50% by 2030.

This proposed CHIPS funding is expected to attract further private investments and strengthen U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic agenda.